A Primer ~ Autogenic Training

The best way to learn Autogenic Training is through a teacher, guide or an instructor (an instructor has been practicing AT for many years but has not yet mastered it). AT without a teacher or instructor can be dangerous because of ego’s desire to meddle and build illusion towards self-aggrandizement.

Think of this piece as a teaser or introduction. Then look for a teacher, guide or an instructor.

Autogenic Training begins with self-observation that builds towards the formation of a Witness Self. The Witness is a cultivated dispassionate observer that can be described as “I was beside myself”, allowing us to perceive our selves with clear neutral pictures (perceptions) without judgment or opinion thus allowing divine compassion to enter and a clear picture of all our selves.

Self-observation is difficult to write about because we have no specific language for its description. Beginners often confuse self-observation with ideas, inferences and get distracted by associations which become mind-games. Self-observation requires participation from the mind, awareness of your body sensations, and your emotional state.

Here is an outline for starting:

Pick a simple physical activity to observe such as rinsing a dish, putting your key in the ignition and starting your car, opening a door.

Begin by relaxing your body.

Choose your pinky finger on your non-dominate hand to begin (I’m right handed, so I choose my left hand, my left pinkie finger.)

I allow sensation to gather in my pinkie finger by feeling its weight. This may appear as a warmth, tingling, energy running through the pinkie or an awareness of physical sensation there. Go lightly allow this to happen don’t force it to happen.

Once the sensation is established allow ten percent of your attention to rest in your pinkie finger while engaging in the simple physical task.

Allow yourself to be aware of your physical, emotional and mental state while performing the task in this way.

Share your observations with your teacher, guide or instructor. Always use first person – present tense when sharing you observations (remember “the past” are memories that exist in the present). For example – I notice…